Provide your medical history, including health issues, allergies and medications you are on. You may have to stop taking some products, including aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

You may need to take antibiotics before surgery.

Here are some typical questions you may need to answer prior to surgery:

Are you allergic to antibiotics, anesthetics or other medicines?

Do you bleed too much or suffer from excessive bruising when injured?

Do you have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma or arthritis-related issues?

Have you been sick recently or have any chronic illnesses?

Have you undergone breast cancer surgery?

Have you suffered from a psychiatric illness?

You should be able to continue most medications unless your surgeon advises otherwise. In addition, your surgeon will let you know if you require blood tests, X-rays or heart tests.

Post-Surgery

Set up a comfortable recovery area in your house or apartment. You may want to set up pillows and have ice packs ready. Make sure a thermometer and a phone are within reach. Have a friend or family member drive you to and from your surgery. Also, have someone stay with you for at least a day after you go home.

After surgery, bandages and dressings could be applied to your incisions. Elastic bandages and compression garments can be used to reduce swelling. A small drainage tube may be used temporarily to remove excess fluids.

You likely will have to miss work for several days to rest. Post-op tips include avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until your surgeon says you are ready.

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your surgeon right away:

A temperature higher than 38°C.

Chills.

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or shortness of breath.

Heavy bleeding where your incisions are.

Leakage of fluids following the first day after your surgery.

Increasing or expanding redness at incision sites.

Increased tenderness or pain in breasts.

Your surgeon will provide you with instructions about your post-operative care.

Do not hesitate to call your surgeon if you have any concerns or questions following your surgery.

Many patients ask if they will have scarring after their surgeries. This is normal. Scars are part of any invasive surgery that is performed. Your plastic surgeon is a specialist who will work to minimise any scarring and keep scars as inconspicuous as they possibly can be by placing incisions in sites that are easily hidden.

By using this approach, scars will be located next to your natural skin lines and creases. These scars may fade away as time goes by and become virtually unnoticeable.

If you are someone who is prone to scarring, let your surgeon know before your procedure.